Ye Renaissance Festival,

Huzzah! to Sprout’s first appearance at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. For the first time in its history, the festival hosted an eco-friendly weekend, the Healthy Living and Fitness Expo. The event showcased green and healthy alternatives in the state of MN, and Sprout was excited to be there to chat up our site. We didn’t get the chance to slay any dragons, but we did try a darn good turkey leg.

Grammercy, SPROUT

Dear Just Between Friends,

Events, events, events. We can’t seem to get enough of ‘em lately. Last week we were mallrats (in a good way!), thanks to the JBF kids consignment sale at Southdale. Racks upon racks of gently-used duds at unbeatable prices…

Moms, don’t fret if you missed it—JBF hosts several events a year. Check it out.

Thanks, SPROUT

Dear University of St. Thomas,

A round of applause for hosting a great vendor fair this past week. We were blown away by the enthusiasm shown by all the faculty members and students who stopped by our table. Sixty new Sprouters signed up within an hour and a half, and one of them is about to receive a back-to-school gift bag filled with green goods from local St. Paul businesses.

Thanks, SPROUT

Dear St. Paul and Mpls. Parks and Recreation,

The weather cooperated for our first Cities Bike Tours, and we marveled at the number of bikers who showed up to ride the beautiful paths of St. Paul and loop around the lakes of Minneapolis. Of all the bikes, this one stood out from the pack: It’s made from reused and recycled materials, and has a waterbed cushion!

Thanks again, SPROUT

My dog and I lolled around Loring Park in the glory of this unseasonable September heat. Our don’t-miss stops: the giant dandelion fountain for some splashing, and the dog park at the north corner for a little ruff-housing.

Weekend assignment: Shop Twin Cities Green for organic bedding, recycled light fixtures, and funky furniture. Then head to the back of the store to collect ideas at the Do It Green! Resource Center—a free and friendly starting place to begin researching such burning questions as “Who in town can redo a floor with locally sourced hardwood?” I’ll keep you posted…

I kept my word from the last post. When I’m not on the town, I’m home tackling my to-dos — as in what to do about the ever growing recycling bin, etc. So consider this the debut of “homework” — future posts that hit on hammer-and-nail issues. This green dollhouse from Plan Toys, found at Kiddywampus in St. Louis Park, is a source of inspiration. Because even if I can’t afford real solar panels and my own wind turbine, I can pretend, right?

My pack needed a pick-me-up, so I purchased a couple of fun patterned notebooks made out of recycled paper and soy ink in the Target aisles (nice when a big chain makes an effort to save some trees). Their Greenroom Eco line is tres Tarjay—high design, low price. Now about that homework…

Dear U of M,

That’s us at Mariucci Arena looking down at the vendor fair where we set up shop last Saturday. This time we came with the works: a giant sign, a tablecloth, a gift bag loaded with green goodies… Signed up a whopping 431 new Sprouters! Such good student energy.

Thanks again, SPROUT